Udinese Claim Man City Are Favourites To Sign Alexis Sanchez

One of the South African World Cup’s all too few redeeming features was the gung-ho ‘attack attack attack’ stylings of Marcelo Bielsa’s young(ish) Chile side – an enthusiastic ensemble that was embodied by effervescent Udinese winger Alexis Sanchez.

Sanchez came into the tournament on a wave of fizzy hype, with a string of fine performances in South Africa and, latterly, in Serie A last season ensuring that he has been in high demand ever since.

Most of Europe’s elite have been linked with Sanchez over the past year or so though, if the words of Udinese owner Giampaolo Pozzo are anything to go by, it seems like the Premier League’s highest high-rollers are in the driving seat to land the €45 million-rated 22-year old this summer:

“I think it is 50-50 he will stay, if Sanchez were to leave I would give City the highest percentage to sign him because English football is rich and it knows how to value young talent.

“Inter, Juventus, Barca and City are all after Sanchez but no concrete offers reflecting the value of the player have arrived.

‘I’ve already spoken with Alexis and his agent and I think they will understand I can’t give him away.”

For ‘English football…knows how to value young talent’ we think you can probably read ‘Man City have waved sacks and sacks and sacks of money under our noses’ – though, snarky cynicism aside, we would love to see the Sanchez lad plying his trade in the Premier League week in, week out next term.

it’s nonsense. why self respecting player like sanchez will go to this arab shit club ? everybody will offer him huge money, so it’s not about cash for him it’s about respect, and you don’t get any of this if you go play for citeh

@mtm, Citeh are well shit, what with their humorous, passionate, and committed supporters and their impressive history. Maybe Sanchez should just fuck off to whatever club you support because they are less lucky than we are and have an owner with less money. I’m sure that club has support that would put 40.000 people into a stadium for a Championship game against Barnsley if need be.

I love how Manchester City Football Club used to be everyone’s 2nd favorite club, and now because of petrodollars that we did not seek, mind, we are the most reviled club in the world.

That all being said, I do not see where Sanchez fits in. On the wings, Silva, Johnson and Milner (shudder) all fit into the frame, as well as Balotelli on occassion. Silva plays every match, and Johnno should, so there are Sanchez’ preferred positions sorted. He can play attacking mid, but that would mean sliding Yaya Toure back to his old CDM role. That would not be an inherently bad thing (and would put paid to Gareth Barry’s days of regular play) but given his performances last term higher up the pitch, I’d rather see his drive and power in an advanced role. So does Sanchez potentially replace Tevez? I mean, he’s short, has an engine, and is South American, but from what I undertand he does not play inside as well as he does on the wings. So where does he fit in?